Previously titled "Cwen as Model," I am now exploring the different ways in which many types of physical performance and portrayals are shaped by my inner workings and idiosyncracies.
If you're interested in my burlesque performances, go to foxemartin.blogspot.com.

Thursday, January 14, 2016

I've posted before about how nudity is inseparable from sex(uality). Even if I go into something with the purest intentions, I can never help what turns people on. This is a reiteration based on recent experiences I've had this past year that are all tied to the same recurring theme. Let me set the foundation for this post...

First off, it is OK to be a sexual being and express your interest and attractions through art.

Secondly, you can do this in a skillful, well-composed, and effective manner.

Thirdly, one of the few things I took away from art school (besides debt) is that you cannot define art.

However, a lot of art (nude) photographers manage to get pulled into really odd class dynamics. How people have monopolized the term "tasteful" is just intriguing. And, a lot of them don't recognize where their sexual interests end and begin... and if they do, they aren't always honest about it. Let's just try to do away with the elitism, and in many cases, hypocrisy.

I know many photographers that also shoot erotica, but they hide it away. This could happen for professional reasons -- they don't want to miss out on clients, so they use a separate account for commercial and erotic work. These photographers execute their erotic captures skillfully, beautifully. Compared to the work most people view to get their rocks off, I definitely prefer what these photographers have done. However, how am I to say that Hustler and Playboy, formulaic as they are, shouldn't be considered art? I think this is when it comes to be a matter of intention -- practice -- volume. Sometimes it is a matter of mere documentation, but it really depends on the individual.

So where does this lead?

...If you're going to shoot the same things other people can't capture with as much skill, don't attack their class or taste level. It can speak for itself, can't it?

When it comes to models, recognize how your own attraction affects who you hire for a shoot. The majority of art models are young, thin, (female,) and generally quite fit. Why? If you really want to fill that visual environment, why does it need to be another youthful, statuesque nymph? Couldn't you tell a story with any kind of body type? Any sex? Any aged model? How would this change the story? And why are we so obsessed with repeating Classical Mythology over and over again?

What specifically has come to affect me this year, numerous times, is the argument over bush.

Whether you want to hire a model with bush is up to you -- but be honest with yourself as to why. I am neither pro nor anti-bush. But if you are in the same group of people that monopolizes on "art" and artistic nudity, that condemns the flat lighting and sloppy work of amateur photographers, and think you have a definition for what art actually consists of because you make it...

I don't want to hear from art photographers that bushes are better because they are more "adult" and "less childlike." I don't want to hear that shaved is fine, but it's the "five 'o' clock shadow" (which actually made me laugh) that's the problem. If you're open and honest about how your sexuality affects your work, cool. That's what was in when a lot of older male photographers were coming of age, and I get that. But how is that language fitting for art photographers? (Ones, quite often men, that are committed to the dignified objectification of the human figure.) If you like the contrast pubic hair provides, fine. I understand that. If stubble is distracting from your message, I definitely get that. If you're worried that a shaved crotch will draw more sexual thoughts to the area based upon how society treats body hair right now, that also makes sense.

As an artist, I can appreciate an uninterrupted, shaved figure. I can also appreciate a majestic nether-patch. I'm completely at ease with someone not wanting to work with me because of their personal philosophy on art and body hair, or that they just don't like my look. I'm just not at ease being shamed for it.

Just ask yourself, especially if you're male -- and I welcome any comments on shooting philosophy/psychology -- am I fulfilling my fullest artistic potential by only shooting one kind of model? Am I being honest about my own motivations when it comes to artistic capture of the nude form? Do I need to re-compartmentalize?

Last month I had the privilege of working with Mr. G Wayne in Jackson Hole, WY. It was my first time ever in Wyoming as well as my first time modeling in the snow. I don't have any photos from the shoot, but I do have a snapshot taken by the other model, Catherine Weiss (who is awesome, check her out if you're in LA!).

This October I took part in Joel Belmont's workshop at Lake Powell, and it was by far one of the best modeling experiences I've ever had. Challenging myself in such a beautiful setting was exhilarating -- being around such amazingly creative, thoughtful people was a privilege. I would gladly return. :)